Whether you are new to diving or an experienced diver, you need to know what to wear for scuba diving. The type of clothing you wear will depend on the type of diving you are doing and the water temperature. Generally, you will want to wear a wetsuit or drysuit, gloves, boots, and a hood.
Wetsuits and drysuits are made of neoprene and are designed to keep you warm in cold water. Wetsuits work by trapping a layer of water between your skin and the neoprene. Your body heat then warming the water, which in turn keeps you warm. Drysuits work by keeping your body completely dry. They are usually made of thicker neoprene than wetsuits and have seals at the wrists, ankles, and neck to keep water out.
Gloves and boots protect your hands and feet from cuts and scrapes. They also help to keep you warm by trapping a layer of water next to your skin. Hoods help to keep your head warm and can also protect your face from stings and scratches.
When choosing what to wear for scuba diving, it is important to consider the type of diving you will be doing and the water temperature. Make sure that you have all the gear that you need before going diving!
What to Wear When Scuba Diving
When diving, you will be wearing a wet suit which will cover your body and a scuba mask which will cover your face. You will also need to wear fins, a snorkel, and a life jacket.
A Wet or Dry Suit
One of the first decisions you need to make when gearing up for scuba diving is whether to wear a wet suit or a dry suit. Both have their advantages, and which one you choose will depend on a number of factors, including water temperature, your dive location, and your personal preferences.
Wet suits are less expensive than dry suits and are generally more comfortable to wear. They also provide some thermal protection, which can be beneficial in cooler waters. However, wet suits can only be used in relatively warm waters (typically between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit) as they do not provide complete insulation from the cold. In addition, wet suits can cause chafing and may restrict your movement while diving.
Dry suits, on the other hand, provide full thermal protection and keep you completely dry throughout your dive. This can be extremely beneficial in colder waters or if you are prone to drysuit compression (a condition caused by the sudden decrease in pressure inside the suit when descending). Drysuits can be more expensive than wet suits and require additional training for proper use.
A BCD
A BCD, or buoyancy control device, is an essential piece of equipment for scuba diving. It allows divers to control their buoyancy while underwater, which is necessary for both safety and comfort. BCs come in a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate different body types and diving conditions.
When choosing a BCD, it is important to consider the type of diving you will be doing. If you will be diving in warm water, a lighter weight BCD may be more comfortable. If you will be diving in cooler water, a heavier weight BCD may be necessary to keep you warm. It is also important to consider the type of suit you will be wearing. If you will be wearing a wetsuit, a BCD with more buoyancy may be necessary to keep you afloat.
Once you have chosen the right BCD for your needs, it is important to learn how to use it properly. Most BCs have several straps and buckles that must be adjusted before diving. You will also need to inflate your BCD using either the oral inflator or the power inflator. The oral inflator is located near your mouth and can be activated by biting down on it. The power inflator is located on your left shoulder and can be activated by pressing the button with your left hand.
In addition to adjusting the straps and buckles, you will also need to adjust the weight pockets on your BCD. Weight pockets are used to add or remove weight from your BCD so that you can achieve neutral buoyancy underwater. To add weight, simply open the pocket and drop in the desired amount of weights. To remove weight, open the pocket and let the weights fall out into your hand.
It is also important to know how to deflate your BCD in an emergency situation. In most cases, you can deflate your BCD by pulling on the dump valve located on your right shoulder. This will release all of the air from your BCD and cause you to sink rapidly toward the bottom. You should only use this method in an emergency situation as it can be dangerous if done improperly.
A Regulator
A regulator is a key piece of diving equipment that helps you to breathe underwater. It is a device that reduces the pressure of the air coming from your tank so that it is safe for you to breathe. Most regulators have two parts: a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is attached to your tank and reduces the pressure of the air coming from your tank. The second stage is attached to your mouthpiece and reduces the pressure further so that it is safe for you to breathe.
A Mask and Snorkel
When diving, you will want to have a good quality mask and snorkel. A mask is used to cover your eyes and nose so that you can see underwater. A snorkel is a tube that allows you to breathe while your face is in the water.
There are many different types and styles of masks and snorkels on the market, so it is important to choose one that fits your needs. You will want to make sure that the mask fits snugly around your face and does not leak. The snorkel should be the right length for you so that you can comfortably reach it with your mouth.
Conclusion
After reading this guide, you should have a better understanding of what type of clothing is best for scuba diving. Remember, always err on the side of caution and dress for the conditions. If you have any questions, be sure to ask a certified instructor before your next dive.